Keyamo brokers deal as Aviation Unions, concessionaire sign MoU on Enugu Airport

2026-02-27 - 20:28

By Nnasom David The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday brokered an agreement between aviation unions and the concessionaire of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guaranteeing workers’ job security. The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting convened by the minister in Abuja to address concerns surrounding the airport’s concession. The meeting brought together leaders of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). Discussions focused on workers’ welfare, job security and the long-term sustainability of the airport under the proposed concession arrangement. According to the ministry, the engagement was marked by open and constructive dialogue aimed at resolving lingering disputes. At the end of the talks, the unions and the concessionaire signed an MoU guaranteeing the retention of all affected staff and preserving their existing status and conditions of service. The agreement also provides assurances that no worker will be unjustly displaced as a result of the concession process. Keyamo commended the leadership of the unions for what he described as their maturity and commitment to dialogue, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to pursue infrastructure reforms without undermining workers’ rights. He said the administration believes that infrastructure development and workers’ welfare can progress together through fairness, inclusivity and sustained engagement with stakeholders. The resolution is seen as a major step in easing tensions over the concession of the Enugu airport and advancing the Federal Government’s aviation reform agenda, while safeguarding public sector workers.